| Help Support STEM Education!
Colorado Gives Day, an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving, is happening today so don't delay! Your generous donation can help support the Space Science Institute's mission to advance scientific research and STEM education. Thanks in advance for your support!
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| The Understanding STEM Readiness in Public Libraries Survey is Now Closed
Thank you to all who participated to make this effort a success! We are happy to report that we had over 850 library practitioners participate in the survey from institutions coast-to-coast, and received varied representation from libraries spanning locations in rural communities (49%) to those in city and/or suburban locations (43%).
In the coming weeks, we will be exploring this data to learn more about the various factors and support-needs when it comes to how "ready" libraries feel (or do not feel) to implement STEM activities and programming. For the over 50% of you who opted into being contacted by a member of our team for further discussion, we will begin interviews soon. For questions about the survey, please contact project director, Rob Jakubowski, at DatumAdvisors@gmail.com.
This effort was funded by the National Science Foundation in partnership with the Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning, American Library Association, Afterschool Alliance, Lunar and Planetary Institute, and Datum Advisors.
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| New Exhibition Opportunity from NCIL
The National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) is seeking eight library and museum partner sites to host the inaugural national tour of the interactive traveling exhibition Discover Exoplanets: the Search for Alien Earths. Public libraries and small museum partners in rural areas and those serving rural populations and underrepresented groups are especially invited to apply.
Applications must be completed and received by no later than 11:59pm on January 5, 2018. For detailed instructions on how your library can apply, be sure to register for our pre-application webinar which will be held on December 6, 2017.
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Discover Exoplanets Pre-Application
Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Time: 3pm EST / 2pm CST / 1pm MST / 12pm PST
Join us on Wednesday, December 6th to learn more about the application process for being one of eight library and museum partner sites to host the inaugural national tour of the interactive traveling exhibition Discover Exoplanets: the Search for Alien Earths.
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STEM Events for Your
Library's 2018 Programming
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Time: 3pm EDT / 2pm CDT / 1pm MDT / 12pm PT
Join the STAR Net team as we provide background information on 2018's high-profile STEM events and unique ideas and helpful resources for integrating them into your programming schedule. Bring your questions and programming ideas to the chat box, too - we want to hear what your library is planning and what has worked successfully in the past. Note: Registration for this webinar is at full capacity. If you would like to be added to the webinar wait-list, please email Brooks Mitchell.
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Become a NASA Expert with just a Call Interested in getting professionally-vetted NASA content for your library? Save your library staff hours and days of independent research with just a phone call. In partnership with the NASA Museum Alliance, STAR Net has developed a new partner page on our website dedicated to providing information about the Museum Alliance and the NASA Nationwide consortium's upcoming live teleconferences with scientists and engineers who will be discussing the latest news about NASA missions and research. And, as a member of the STAR Net community, you'll get access to a searchable archive of over 500+ past teleconferences - all complete with recordings, transcripts, and ready-to-use presentation materials on practically any NASA topic under (and beyond) the Sun! You'll quickly become your community's local NASA expert, making your library the go-to destination for all things NASA.
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A Journal Linking In-school and
Out-of-school STEM Learning Connected Science Learning highlights STEM education experiences that bridge the gap between in-school and out-of-school settings. The online journal features articles about highly effective programs and shares research that connects preK–12 STEM learning in schools and out-of-school settings, specifically highlighting effective mechanisms for collaboration and co-creation. Many public libraries have formed strong partnerships with their local K-12 schools. This National Science Teachers Association journal is a great place for libraries to write about such partnerships (e.g. How long have you been working together? What activities are you doing?). If you do decide to write an article with your K-12 partner, please let us know so that we can link to your CSL article.
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Hands-on STEM: Daylight in a Bottle
Looking for a way to “shine a light” on the world of engineering and sustainable energy at your library? Look no further than Daylight in a Bottle.
This activity highlights daylighting, or the act of using natural light to brighten a room - it is simple, easy, fun, and cheap! Make sure to watch the videos in the Related Links section to learn more about how this method is used in other parts of the world. As always, please leave a review and let us know what you think.
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The STAR Library Network (STAR Net) is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country. STAR_Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing “science-technology activities and resources” (STAR) and training to use those resources. Plus, engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning with the excitement of exploration and discovery through new NASA@ My Library resources!
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STAR Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners, led by the Space Science Institute’s (SSI) National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL). Partners include the American Library Association’s Public Programs Office, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Afterschool Alliance, Education Development Center, Datum Advisors, Cornerstones of Science, and the Pacific Science Center. Major funding is provided by the National Science Foundation, NASA Science Mission Directorate, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
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Optimizing Layering for Program Success
By David Janning & Joanna Ritchie
Many events you host already include the concept of layering, which typically involves setting up multiple activity stations and staggering main events throughout the length of a program.
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Money Fun
By Luna
This month there is an exhibit in the adult collection about money and managing finances. I’ve decided to focus my children’s programming around money, and money fun, while the exhibit is on display.
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Planet Hoppers
By Amy Koester
When we first learned we’d be hosting the Explore Space exhibit from STAR Net at our library this fall, we spent quite a bit of time browsing through program ideas and how-tos as we started to formulate our program schedule.
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Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE)
Feb. 6-9, 2018
More Info >>
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Public Library Association (PLA)
Mar. 20-24, 2018
More Info >>
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American Library Association (ALA)
June 21-26, 2018
More Info >>
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Women's
History Month
Mar. 1-31, 2018
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Summer Reading Program - Theme: Music, Slogan: Libraries Rock
Summer, 2018
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Lights On Afterschool
October, 2018
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International Observe the
Moon Night
October 20, 2018
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